4.28.2011

With over 200+ dead in storms across the Southeastern US and that number climbing, my brain is kinda distracted. But a "friend" on FB asked people: What is your first memory of being aware of the brute force of nature? Below is my off the top response. I thought it was pretty good. So, I decided to post it here for posterity's sake.

At the tender age of four, my world shook. A 6.8 magnitude quake moved Southern Italy, my parents both US Navy were stationed in Naples and had left me with friends for a short trip. I vividly remember the shaking and the mad dash down the packed stairwell from the apartment some floors above ground level and wanting my mama and daddy. 1980 was the year I learned of the brute force of Nature.

1.18.2011

I have a healthy obsession with food. And I just have to mention an experience I had tonight while cooking dinner.

Scene: in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, sweet onions, minced garlic and ground New Mexico chile become gently toasted and fragrant. I then add a bit of whole Mexican oregano and rub it between my fingers before it too hits the pan and fills the kitchen with scent. A dash of salt, a sprinkle of pepper. Stir. Three more seconds... and add the ground beef and after a few minutes the smells of aromatics and spices, meat and fat mingle in the kitchen to portent the coming of a really nummy dinner.

So, that was a moment with me in the kitchen. This is why I love to cook, bake, read about, look at, touch, smell and photograph good food. Food is just dead sexy! But food porn, while amazing to look at, just is not normal.